Erie police Chief John Hall announces he will retire next May

Erie Police Chief John Hall, announced this week that he will retire in May.
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CLIFF GRASSMICK
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Erie police Chief John Hall announced today that he will retire in May after eight years on the job, town officials said.

Hall informed the members of the Erie Police Department of his decision during a meeting Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 5, and said he came to the decision after discussion with his wife and family.

"Over the years I've been truly impressed with the dedication of the men and women of law enforcement -- particularly here in Erie," Hall said in a statement. "The next chief will have the opportunity to lead a great department."

Hall began serving as the Erie chief of police in January 2005. The department obtained state accreditation under his watch and ran the Erie Citizen's Police Academy.

"John has been the right leader for the Erie Police Department at the right time." Erie Town Administrator A.J. Krieger said in a statement. "He has demonstrated a profound dedication to our community and will truly be missed. We wish him all the best as he focuses on his family."

Prior to serving in Erie, Hall was the chief of police in Lamar from 1992 to 2004. He started his law enforcement career 44 years ago in Billings, Mont. as a patrol officer.

A timeline for finding Hall's replacement have not been announced.

Last month, Erie voters narrowly defeated a ballot measure to fund a new police headquarters.